When did reading become such a negative thing?

[Cathy]

I think many people who don't read much feel very defensive about it, because they're aware that people who read are perceived as smarter, more sophisticated, or better-informed. So they become reflexively anti-reading -- only snobs do it, or only people who have no life have time for it, etc.

Of course, they will learn the error of their ways when zombies come for them and they have not read what about how to defend themselves!

[Maria]

I read Hollowland so I'm good to go. (If that doesn't work, I'll stand behind Michelle because she's studied the zombie apocalypse more than I have!)

[Helen]

I want my house inspected for zombie-proofing! As for pencils, I just never made that link!

I teach 6-7 year olds and at parent's evening a mum was telling me that her son doesn't like to read, that there was nothing she could do. I had three more like it. I was stunned at the lack of incentives offered. Though given that these parents don't read I suppose I should be!

[Sandy]

I've always carried a book around and am often reading several at a time. My boyfriend was never into reading until I introduced him to audio books. Now he's listend to about two hundred audio books and always has several out from the library to listen to. Once in a while he'll even pick up a paper book and read it.

[Michelle]

(If that doesn't work, I'll stand behind Michelle because she's studied the zombie apocalypse more than I have!)

I think it's because there's some zombie blood on my mother's side 8P

teach 6-7 year olds and at parent's evening a mum was telling me that her son doesn't like to read, that there was nothing she could do.

Sometimes, it may depend on what books are lying around the house (if any!) My youngest hating reading until her aunt gave her a copy of The Hunger Games. Since then, there's been a 100% turn around! She finished half of the Series of Unfortunate Events in under two months. I'm so happy!

[Anika]

When that's all you do in your spare time possibily?? Like me when I ain't working I'm reading but when I work I listen to audiobooks :-)

[Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads)]

Anika wrote: "When that's all you do in your spare time possibily?? Like me when I ain't working I'm reading but when I work I listen to audiobooks :-)"

Haha that is awesome! Lately I have been going through audiobooks like crazy. I am so lucky to have access to 2 great library systems! I have a little Sansa Clip Plus player for my audio and I have it on all the time. I listen when doing laundry, snuggling with my cats, riding in a car, at the doctor's office, laying in bed at night after I turn off the lights. It is the best money my bf ever spent on me as far as value goes. It has been dropped, the clip has snapped off and the thing still works! My Kindle 1st Generation still works and I still use it but when I am not reading from that I am listening to my clip. :)

I think there are a lot worse things to be addicted to than reading. I think when people don't read at all it is a shame.

I have been trying to get my mom to read more by picking up large print books from the library discards for her and I am trying to talk her into a Kindle or a Fire. I think she would love the Fire because she loves Twitter and word search and sometimes uses Facebook as well. She likes to follow Celtic Thunder and its members on Twitter. Since Damian has co-won The Glee Project she has only gotten worse. :-P She is more a music and TV person than a reading person.

[Estelle]

I spend almost all my spare time reading. I started reading when I was in my teens, which I thought was pretty late... Anyways, I'm so into reading, to the point I read just about anything. Nowadays, I enjoy taking public transport, even long trips, so I read.

Reading is such a pleasure, take your mind off things. The people that I know, mostly don't read, when they know I read and the amount and things I'm reading, they called me names. I don't take offense, in fact I'm proud being an avid reader.

[Jennifer]

I grew up reading. My mom and I both love to read. My son does when he finds one he is into, otherwise not so much. My ex, my sons dad, said that I read too much, his mother too. Acted like it was a bad thing to read so much. She watches a lot of tv. I don't have the attention span for watching tv. Even when I do watch tv I miss a lot of what is going on because I'm reading!

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

Some reading haters are jealous because they know you can do something that makes you smarter but they cannot do for whatever reason (ADD, dyslexia, etc.). Not all schools have kinetic learning programs and not all parents care enough to get help for their children. So some non-readers are too embarrassed to say 'I can't read well' and feel by reading a book you are putting them down, being insulting or rubbing their nose into their deficiency (they don't see it primarily as a disability but as a weakness). So they hate you being able to read. They know it gives you a leg up. Of course not all haters are like this, only some. In my family the haters fell in this category.

[Kathy]

I've always been a huge reader! I've never gotten much negative feedback, myself. I don't think I would care even if I did. I grew up in a family of readers, my sons' are readers.....it's a beautiful thing! My boyfriend isn't as avid a reader as I am, but totally understands and respects it. He likes to spend hours playing his video games.....while I read....it all works out! :)

[Michelle]

I've noticed that a lot of my friends are now listening to audio books, and for some reason they get embarrassed when they tell me this! It's like they are worried that I'll look down on them because they listened to a book as opposed to read it! So silly :P

[Tara]

I am a huge reader. I have an commute that is over an hour...so I started listening to audio books too. I was guilty at first, but I love it so much! There's no reason to feel guilty because you aren't using your eyes to read it!

[Laura]

If only I had time for audio books! I have some and would love to listen to them; but I don't have a very long commute to work now and never have time to listen in the car.

[Jennifer]

I started listening to audiobooks when I started my job at the library a couple of months ago. We are allowed to use headphones so I decided to try audiobooks. I used Audible. I can't see paying that much a month so I just got my 2 free books. Now I use my Kindle text-to-speech. It's not the best but when I get to a good part I'll start reading it while it's on. I like it so much better! When I miss something from working or whatnot I can pause the speech and read it.

[Dee]

if I was only getting my 2 audible books a month I would probably balk at the price, but the huge sales they have makes up for that...they just had a 50% off classics sale; before that there was a buy 2 get 1 free mystery/suspense; and a ton that were on sale for halloween

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

Helen wrote: "I want my house inspected for zombie-proofing! As for pencils, I just never made that link!

I teach 6-7 year olds and at parent's evening a mum was telling me that her son doesn't like to read, ..."

I've always read to my kids (14, 12 & 11) and they listen to audiobooks every school night. They have different interests now that they're older and finding audios are more challenging. As far as paperbacks go, my 12yo son used to balk at reading on his own until we discovered the snakes, spiders, dinosaur, etc books. Now that he's 12 he really only likes to read Star Wars books or books about football.

The secret is finding out what interests the child and go with that. Frankly, I'd rather see my kids reading comic books than not reading at all. A lot of people look down on comic books, but reading is reading to me. Books, magazines, graphic novels, comics, gaming tips books and audios all count with me.

[Michelle]

A lot of people look down on comic books, but reading is reading to me.

Amen! I hate book snobbery. It's one reason why I love having a Kindle. No one can judge my book by its cover.

[Dee]

they've actually found that graphic novels are good for people with reading issues because there is only a limited amount of text at a time, so they don't get overwhelmed

I always scoffed at GN until I read some for a reading challenge here and I was pleasantly surprised

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

Dee wrote: "they've actually found that graphic novels are good for people with reading issues because there is only a limited amount of text at a time, so they don't get overwhelmed

I always scoffed at GN un..."

They aren't what they used to be. I never read them until I picked up a Harry Dresden GN. It's interesting to read a book then read the GN. :)

[Dee]

true...I always used to associate them with comics, it wasn't until Diana Gabaldon came out with a GN to go with her outlander series that I really picked one up

[Maja]

When I was younger, for some reason, I loved the comic books a lot more than books. And I read all the boy ones. Paranormal, horror stuff, even cowboy ones. :) A lot of dark humor stuff as well. While I don't read them anymore, I have nothing against them.

Read on!

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

I love comics and graphic novels. They are pretty and even beautiful. I spend more time looking than reading. People think I'm a poor reader when I'm actually studying the drawings. The guys are usually drawn really hot looking too. Unlike Playboy readers though, I can't get away with 'I'm reading it for the articles.' Often the plots are not as good as the drawings, but who cares? If only the real world looked so cool!

[Max]

This is our own fault, for letting other people (mainly in politics and media) to boast how proud they are about not having a proper education, sometimes of having none at all.
I'm sorry, but people should not be proud of never having picked up a book in their lives, either for learning or recreational purposes. On the contrary, they should be ashamed.

[Dee]

Max - I totally agree...personally, I have pet peeves when I hear about student athlete's opting to go to the NFL rather than finish their education - what kind of role model is that for our kids, we try to teach them that school is important and then they see player xxx from team yyy who decides that the NFL is cooler than that...

[Max]

Myself, I'm an avid reader. I read around 3 or sometimes 4 books a month, mostly novels, but I try to mix it up with short stories, nonfiction and the occasional science paper. But I know I'm not the average, even though I'm far from being alone, as a quick browsing of goodreads profiles can reveal.
That being said, even 2 or 3 books a year is a good mental exercise, although I'd reccomend something along the lines of one book a month.

[Max]

Audiobooks are also a great tool. I don't normally commute, and when I do I prefer listening to music, but I find it extremely relaxing to listen to an audiobook while jogging or working out. It gives me something to think about instead of being focused on how long it takes to finish. The voice performers are usually really good, and a few authors record their own readings, so they are quite enjoyable. So much that there are times I even extend my routine a little so I can keep on listening, especially books that have really long chapters. The best part is that my eyes aren't tired and if I felt like it, I could resume traditional right after that... and I usually do.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

Dee wrote: "Max - I totally agree...personally, I have pet peeves when I hear about student athlete's opting to go to the NFL rather than finish their education - what kind of role model is that for our kids, ..."

Actually, I can understand a person's desire to go pro before finishing college. Professional sports are for younger athletes. The older a person gets the more likely something is going to go wrong, no matter how good a shape they're in. I applaud those who make known their intention to finish their education when their career is done, but I give a standing ovation to anyone who continues their education while playing pro sports either taking classes in the off-season or by non-traditional methods such as online. I wish we'd hear more about those guys.

[Dee]

but how many of them actually go back to school? do you honestly think that 10 years from now Michael Vick is going to be like, I was an idiot for not completing my education (and he went to my alma mater), I don't think so...

its people like Bryan Randall, who was the starting QB for Virginia Tech for 4 years, who stuck around and finished up not only his bachelor's but a masters in a dual program before going to the NFL that we should pay attention to - IIRC, he is playing for the Browns (maybe)

Carol wrote: "Dee wrote: "Max - I totally agree...personally, I have pet peeves when I hear about student athlete's opting to go to the NFL rather than finish their education - what kind of role model is that fo..."

[Dee]

ditto - I find I can't listen to music when I work out because I know roughly how long songs are, and so I do the math to figure out how long i've been working out

Max wrote: "Audiobooks are also a great tool. I don't normally commute, and when I do I prefer listening to music, but I find it extremely relaxing to listen to an audiobook while jogging or working out. It gi..."

[Awesomevegan (AKA JenReads)]

I love audiobooks and graphic novels too. Harry Potter has been great in audio and I am almost done with Deathly Hallows. Well not quite almost but considering it is over 20 hours long... yeah almost lol. Probably 3-4 hours left. Will probably finish tomorrow. :)

[Michelle]

I've always loved GN. I think when won the Pulitzer, that should have sent a message that GN is a worthy medium.

[Tiffany]

i didn't expect this this year..i don't read much( i hate reading), but after i got my kindle i don't know why but i am starting to get addicted. Kindles are worth because you don't need to go to some random store to buy a paper book, you could just buy it and read it! Books can be boring at a certain time unless if you get interested like i am all the time in my kindle!!

[Alisa]

Heh. Posted in the wrong discussion.

But I will say that the Kindle has increased my reading as well. Mostly because my eyes can handle it. Before, I used my laptop and back-lit devices to read and my eyes couldn't handle the strain. The kindle has helped out in that situation.

I'm contemplating on getting an e-reader for my son (who's only 6), but I figured I could put some GN or some fun colored books on there to get him interested. GN or comic books are more easily damaged than regular books so I want something electronic instead for him to enjoy.

I, too, believe that reading is reading whether it's comic books, non-fiction, or erotica even. Hey, we like what we like and at least we are reading vs. wasting away in front of the television set.

[[deleted user]]

Dee wrote: "if I was only getting my 2 audible books a month I would probably balk at the price, but the huge sales they have makes up for that...they just had a 50% off classics sale; before that there was a ..."

i will never get into audio books but then again I said i would never get a kindle and now i love it.

[Erin]

I'm a life-long reader. My parents read as I was growing up - my mother more than my father, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that he worked 12+ hour days with an hour commute on each side, and by the time he sat down, he was generally asleep within 15 min., but he still encouraged me to read. Neither of my brothers were avid readers, but one now has children and is thrilled that his oldest loves books as much as I do.

I used to catch some flack in school because of how much I read, but I didn't really care. People sometimes tease me about it now, but it's always tinged with a hint of admiration. I enjoy other things, and balance my reading with knitting, counted cross-stitch (both of which garner me more teasing than books ever have!), and the occasional old movie. I figure it's my life and I'll spend my time in the way that gives me the most pleasure.

[Santino]

I've never really had that.
And even if I had, I wouldn't be bothered.

[Melissa]

Noone ever treats it as a bad thing but I do get some joking and teasing about it, but not in a mean way.

My daughter is a reader to and I was suprised that she didn't get more of the meanness from kids at school (I did when I was younger) but she doesn't, thankfully.

[Soad]

I love reading anything that sparks my interest.I have read many genres ranging from science fiction to christian romance its all based on how the story is told if it doesn't catch my attention I'll probably not read it.And I do enjoy GN the walking dead is the most psychological thrilling series I have read to date.

[Mauro]

The thing is...if you talk about books or literature, or know about lots of authors, you are weird. But if you know all the players and results of the soccer league (Spain) or NBA, NFL or whatever competition, you are the most common person in the world. Crazy...

[Andrew]

The thing is, it's so weird when people start judging you on the books you've read. I have friends who are 'surprised' that I've not read, for example, more Jane Austen or Dickens. But, well, stick it in your ear, guys, I've got a degree in French literature, so most of the classics I've read, unsurprisingly, are French.

No one can read everything, frankly no one should even try. Our reading time is so precious that we have to engage with the texts that are of genuine interest to us, rather than following the herd.

I hope reading never becomes a truly negative thing, though, that would be really tragic. Right now I'm in a play and having to spend every waking moment learning lines, when I would normally be reading. And I miss starting a new book so much...

[E.J.]

Is it? I didn't know. What a horrible thought - and how sad if anyone gets put off starting reading by negative associations. I've been told at various times in my life that I read too much and fair comment, life is for living. Moderation in all things.

[Christine]

I don't think it is but I did come across this book The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction which seems to run along the thesis of your question and attempts to remind us that reading was, and still is pleasurable.

[Lory]

I have to read on my kindle to focus and "enjoy" reading. If I attempt on my ipad, I am constantly interrupted my notifications or distractions by the urge to play one more round of candy crush :). I already have to battle daily responsibilities and children interruptions; mix in electronic temptations and I never get to my book.

[Michael]

Some peiple do tend to blab about their reading passion that it gets old.

[Michael]

*people

[[deleted user]]

Dee wrote: "I remember my mom having to give the library permission to let me borrow books that were in the adult section and not the what then passed for the YA/Kids section...because they wouldn't let me bor..."

Yeah, I remember trying to borrow some book from the library when I was a kid and they blatantly refused. I wish I remembered what the book was.

[Harmony]

I have been known as a chronic bookworm since I was old enough to read. I was always in trouble as a kid for 'zoning out' and getting lost inside the book I was reading! I think by now (an undisclosed number of years later), people who know me know better than to say anything. My answer to those who are silly enough to ask me "why read?", is to ask them "Why not?" ... I feel that not to read is to miss out on an integral part of life, it enriches one's imagination and broaden's one's horizons.
My favourite time of day is the evening, when I can curl up on the sofa, glass of whiskey in hand, and simply read ... :)

[Eric]

Odd. I've been reading since I was five, which was >cough< >choke< many, many decades ago, and I don't recall ever being refused permission to check out whatever books I wanted. And I know that after not too long a while I was reading well beyond my age and at some (not quite accurately remembered) age, into the adult section as well. Since my parents, mom in particular, promoted my reading and really didn't give me grief about being the glasses-geek-honor student while my younger brother was the athletically active, outgoing, very good student, I can only assume they quietly arranged with the library not to give me grief either.

Or else I just encountered some remarkably good librarians!

Eric